DELIGHTED with its run of international rookies and intent on more reaching the top level, the AFL will hold its next talent combine in Ireland this weekend.

 

Seven international players were listed by AFL clubs at last week's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, including three from Ireland: Daniel Flynn (Port Adelaide), Ciaran Sheehan and Ciaran Byrne (both Carlton).

 

A fourth, Sean Hurley, is expected to soon sign with Fremantle as an international rookie after impressing while training with the club.

 

The League is keen to continue that momentum, with international talent coordinator and Sydney Swans premiership player Tadhg Kennelly in Dublin to lead a group of 22 Irish prospects for the two-day camp, which will be run by AFL Europe.

 

A number of AFL clubs will also have recruiting representatives at the combine, where the athletes undertake skill, running, agility, jumping and psychological tests.

 

"I think young people in Ireland are realising this is a serious pathway and a serious opportunity to get recruited to an AFL club and that a professional contract is possible," Kennelly said.

 

"Clubs are starting to warm to it. They've seen the benefits of what they can achieve outside the Australia market. The results are showing."

 

Flynn attended February's combine in Dublin, with the AFL bringing forward the camp to December to be in line with a gap in local competition and school studies.

 

Even early into his AFL career and in his first pre-season with the Power, Flynn has impressed with his foot skills and ability to adapt to the Australian game.

 

"That's what the program's about, trying to get in early enough to introduce them to the footy and the game so they know what it's about," Kennelly said.

 

"We have some good coaching over there and as far as their physiques, the game of Gaelic footy is improving so that helps us."

 

Flynn's younger brother Luke – who stands at 194cm – will attend this combine and is also viewed as having AFL attributes.